When it comes to the ultimate beach vacation in Costa Rica, Playas del Coco is one of the best places to do so. At first glance, the beach is not that impressive and what people don’t know is that right around the corner are stunning white sand beaches that you can have all to yourself.
The only way to enjoy these beaches is to go on a private boating tour in Playas del Coco since most of these beaches are boat access only. The Gulf of Papagayo is huge and there are so many hidden beaches that you can spend days exploring them all.
We’ve gone boating in Playas del Coco many times and in our experiences, our favorite memories have always been with our friend Marcy who owns a boating company in Coco.
Please click here to fill out the form to book your tour or receive a quote.
About Marcy
Marcy is a Costa Rican who has been living in Coco for over 20 years. He grew up Escazu but his outdoor loving parents took him to Guanacaste every holiday and school break.
20+ years ago, there weren’t the amount of tourists in Coco like there is now and they enjoyed the pure beach life. It was these childhood memories that made him move to the coast and go out in the ocean as much as possible.
Fast forward to today, Marcy now owns his own boat company in Coco. He surfs as much as he can, fishes when he gets a chance and takes people out on his boat so they can discover the tremendous beauty of the Gulf of Papagayo.
Playas del Coco Private Boat Tours
Marcy offers different types of boating tours. They are:
- Beach hopping and snorkeling
- Fishing
- Surfing
He runs private tours only so you will have the boat for your group only.
Gulf of Papagayo Boating Tours: Beach hopping and snorkeling
First of all, boating in the Gulf of Papagayo is incredible. Every time we go beach hopping with Marcy, we have an amazing time.
You can ask him to take you to the best spots or he will take you to the best beaches. A few of our favorites are Playa Penca, Huevo, Palmares, Junquillal and Jicaro.
Wildlife
In addition to beach hopping and snorkeling, you can see lots of wildlife. During certain times of the year, you can see whales, dolphins, turtles and manta rays.
He doesn’t run specific whale or dolphin tours but the rich waters of the Gulf offer many wildlife watching opportunities. We usually see dolphins and manta rays when we go boating in the Guf of Papagayo!
Furthermore, during July – December, you can see whales and turtles because it is their breeding and migration season. (You can read more about Costa Rica wildlife and whales in Costa Rica).
Watch our short snorkeling video to see what it’s like!
Extras
Marcy also has some extra toys he can bring for an additional charge.
He has a wakeboard and tube which are both really fun. The wakeboard is a bit harder if you’ve never done it before. Due to that reason, I recommend the tube if you want to have some extra fun. But both are perfect to add a bit more excitement to the trip.
He also has SUP boards and he can bring 1-2 boards. Similarly, SUP can be a bit hard if you have never done it before but the waves in the Gulf are very calm. You can ask Marcy to give you a SUP lesson.
Surfing
Marcy is a surf addict and goes out to 2 of the best spots in the area: Ollie’s Point and Witch’s Rock. Both spots are suitable for intermediate to expert and he checks the tide every day to see what time is the best according to the level of his clients. Marcy has been surfing for most of his life and is one of the best locals to go with as he knows these two spots inside and out.
He can bring boards if you need rentals and he can give lessons. Ollie’s Point and Witch’s Rock are generally better for intermediate surfers however so if you have never gone surfing before, he can take you to Tamarindo to give lessons instead.
Fishing
Lastly, Marcy does fishing tours, mostly in shore fishing along with jigging. The last couple times we went in shore fishing we caught a couple tuna!
Have an amazing time with Marcy
If you want to experience Playas del Coco with a local, check out Marcy’s Gulf of Papagayo boating tours. His boat is comfortable for up to 6 adults and his experience and knowledge of these waters is priceless. Most importantly, he is fully insured and is a licensed boat captain.
Above all, we love supporting local companies and businesses. When we were introduced to Marcy, we certainly knew that he was one Tico we had to share with our readers. Experience the real pura vida when you go out on the waters with an ocean loving Costa Rican. Trust me it’ll be a memorable day!
Watch our video below to meet Marcy!
Boating in Playas del Coco Tour Information
- A half day is from 8 AM – 12 PM. A full day is 8 AM – 4 PM. He can also do half day sunset tours from 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM. Surfing tours normally start at 6:30 AM.
- All tours include water, fruit and local beer.
- His boat can only hold up to 6 adults or a combined weight of 1130 lbs.
- The boat is 27 feet long and doesn’t have a bathroom.
- For fishing tours, he can only hold up to 4 adults.
- Children under 8 are not charged, over 8 are adult prices.
- His boat has snorkel equipment and life jackets of all sizes.
- He can pick up in Coco, Ocotal, Hermosa and Panama. Please check the form below for pick up charges in other locations.
- If you are in Tamarindo/Conchal, you will need to drive to Coco or we can arrange round trip transportation for you.
Ready to book private Coco boating tour? Fill out the form below and we will get back to you with a quote right away! Please don’t leave a comment, please use the form to request a quote.
Chuck says
Booked a beach tour through this website with Marcy and it was great. It was my wife’s birthday the day we took the tour. My daughter was with us and it was great to have the boat to ourselves. Marcy asked if we could move the pickup location to Playa Del Coco due to the higher waves in Playa Del Hermosa. It was a great tour. Never felt rushed. We saw several other tours being rushed around and missing the beautiful scenery. We snorkeled at two different spots and saw some turtles and rays besides plenty of fish. On one of the beaches saw a group of monkeys. Marcy never rushed us at all. We could snorkel or sit on the beach as long as we wanted to. We did the full day. We brought some sandwiches and snacks. He had plenty of water, beer and sodas. When we come back this is one tour we will do again.
Sammi says
Happy you guys had a great time with Marcy! Thanks for sharing your feedback! Hope you guys come back again!
Aspen West says
Hi,
I submitted a request through the form but haven’t heard back. We’re looking for the week of 9/4-9/6 for two adults for beach hopping and fishing. Also needing transportation from Taminarindo.
Can you email me or provide me your contact info?
Thanks!
Sammi says
Hi Aspen! I just sent you an email 🙂
Kyle says
3 adults and a child looking for a fish and beach tour in September.
Sammi says
Hi, can you please fill out the form to give the rest of the information? (date, location, full or half day, extras, etc.) and I can give you a quote? Thank you!
Sammi says
Hi Ruth, I just sent you an email with information.
Belinda says
HI- great website. Looking for info for boat trip with Marcy, beach hopping, snorkeling. We are staying in Playa Hemosa (Condovac) the week of 5/27. 5 people- please also send rates.
Ben says
So happy we stumbled across your website! It’s been invaluable as we’re planning our trip to Costa Rica. We’re interested in a half-day tour for two people between May 11 and May 13 focused on beach-hopping/snorkeling. What’s the best way to set it up?
Thanks again!
Ben
Janet says
Interested in half a day beach hopping from Playa Hermosa for 2 adults 2 children ages 12 & 5. How much would it cost for April 18 or 20
Amy says
Interested in 1/2 beach hopping/snorkeling for 2 May 9th or 10th
Mistee Ruiz says
Hi, interested in snorkeling/beach hopping tour with Marcy for 4 adults, half-day. We are available May 7-11. Please confirm date of availability. We will be driving from Tamarindo Beach. Thanks!
Suzanne Powers says
Hi-Looking for last minute boating plans for 2 people 1/2 day or less April 4-6. Any Chance?
Sammi says
Hi Suzanne, sorry but we are completely booked that week!
Suzanne Powers says
Any suggestions on Kayak rental place near Potrero?
Sammi says
Hmm we have never rented a kayak in that area, I would ask Costa Rica Sailing Center.
Ting-Ting says
Hi Sammi!
We’re interested in knowing the time and cost for half day boat tour for April 7th and 8th. Thanks!
Sammi says
Hi Ting Ting, he isn’t available those days, he will be available on April 10th. Please let us know if that works.
Jayme says
Hi,
Can you pls tell me the cost for two ppl for the following:
Half day snorkelling
Full day snorkelling
Surfing lessons – half day or full day (what’s recommended for 2 ppl who’ve never surfed?!)
We’ll be in Tamarindo (Best Western) and Papgayo (Secrets) next wk.
Thanks!
Nicola Hill says
Hi, I am staying at the Riu palace Guanacaste in August. We are a family of 4 adults, children aged 17 & 12. What day trips/excursions or places to visit would you recommend? Many thanks x
Sammi says
Hi Nicola, you can read this post for more info: Playas del Coco day trips
Sarah says
Hello! We are interested in a half day bout tour with Marcy (or less hours if that is a possiblity. We are two adults and two kids, ages 4 and 7. We will be in Playa de cocos most of the month of August.
Thanks!
Oh, and I speak Spanish so perhaps you could just pass on his contact info and I could contact him directly?
April says
Hi there! Thank you for your blog! It has been my “bible” as I plan our CR trip for my family (my husband and I, and our 5 children—ages 9-17). We would be interested in snorkeling in the Gulf of Papagayo, exploring beautiful beaches and hopefully seeing some dolphins! Could you please let me what the cost would be? We are staying in Ocotal and were looking at availability on Friday, April 6th.
April says
I haven’t received it. Adding my email again (being extra careful in case I mis-keyed it the first time). Thanks!
Sammi says
Hi April, I just emailed it to you again. Can you please check your junk box in case it slipped in there? Hope you get it this time.
Dave says
It doesn’t seem to be coming through. I’m trying a different email address this time with my husband’s name/email.
Leah says
Hi! I am staying at the Andaz Papagayo and was just curious how much a half day snorkel trip for 2 would be. I would be able to go May 14, 15, 16, or 17. Thanks!
Greg Fisherkeller says
We are looking to be in the area between June 15-23. For five people with a little wake boarding, fishing, and scuba, what would we be looking at for cost. Thank you.
Sammi says
Hi Greg! Marcy doesn’t operate scuba diving tours, he only does snorkel. If you guys want to do scuba diving, I recommend going with Rich Coast, Summer Salt or Deep blue, those are the most popular diving shops in Coco. If you would like to do a fishing/wakeboard and snorkel tour, he can certainly do that. Let me know!
Roberta Ruiz says
Would love to go with Marcy to see the beautiful gulf, dolphins and other sea life, snorkeling and possibly a bit of fishing- we will be there the week of Feb 11-Feb 18, 2018
Thanks so Much!!! This website has been so helpful and I’ve passed it along to friends!
Sammi says
Hi Roberta! I will need to know how many people are in your group so to give you a quote.
Jennifer Reagan says
Would love to book a day like this for 6 people.
Christy says
Would love to go boating, fishing and surfing ! how much would a trip be to try all three activities, maybe half a day?
Sammi says
Hi Christy! How many people?
Scott says
I wish to thank you for the recommendation of Mystic Rides; Marcy is an excellent guide. We had a wonderful time snorkeling and visiting several beaches. Sights included mating sea turtles, stingrays, feeding a family of monkeys at one of the beaches, and all kinds of sea life. It was a great experience for all.
yeison says
We are glad you enjoy time with Marcy, he is an awesome guide and a good friend.
Kasi Roberts says
We’re arriving 17-23rd of this month. We want to get in contact with Marcy for snorkeling and also to show us the surfing spots. Let us know how we can arrange something!
Sammi says
Hi Lynn, can you please email us at Contact Mytanfeet and let us know what kind of tour you’d like to get you a quote, thanks!
Jessica Kamann says
Do you have any suggestions for some similar trips, but with someone that can take 13 people snorkeling, beach hopping and fishing? We will be staying in Playa del Coco.
Sammi says
Hi Jessica, hmm all of the boating companies I know can usually only fit around 4-6 people. There are bigger boats like the Arroyo Adventures or the Booze cruise one. You may be able to check out Surf Fin Tours, they have a 52′ foot boat and they do charters, I’m not sure how many people it fits 13 people and do snorkel/fishing but you can ask.
Lynn McKiernan says
I was unsure how to contact you all about Marcy’s boat trips! My 3 friends and I will be In PLAYAS DEL COCO, PACIFICO from 5/8-14 and wanted to see the cost and availability 🙂
Thanks y Cuidate,
Lynn
Cathy says
Our family of six just arrived and are staying at Playa Conchal until Thursday afternoon. We would love to spend a day out on the water snorkeling, swimming and exploring. Please let us know if you have availability the week of 12/31-1/5 and what the cost would be. Thanks!
Sammi says
Hi Cathy, Marcy doesn’t operate out of the Conchal area, he only operates out of Papagayo Gulf and Conchal is too far. You guys can rent snorkels at Conchal beach or take a snorkeling tour.
Delilah says
Will be heading to Costa Rica the last week in November. Looking at Arenal and Samara area. A boating trip to explore hidden beaches sounds amazing. I was wondering if its feasible as a day trip from Samara to Play Del Coco to do the trip with Marcy? Also what would pricing be for two people? Thanks!
Sammi says
Hi guys, Samara is too far for Marcy (Samara is like a 3 hour drive from Coco) he only does pick ups in the Gulf of Papagayo so you need to go to Playas del Coco, Ocotal, Hermosa, Panama, Four Seasons beach, etc. Let us know if you decide to head up north and we can help you book a boat tour 🙂
Delilah says
Thank you for your feed back! We will be arriving Nov. 28th around 2pm until Dec.5th and will rent a car. We can drive to that area from Liberia. We are interested in less touristed beaches and more local feel as well as Arenal area, waterfall, hiking. I’ve read many of your posts but I just can’t decide!
Sammi says
Hi Delilah,
If you stay in the Gulf of Papagayo, let us know and we can help you book a tour with Marcy. Shoot us an email here: https://mytanfeet.com/contact-us/
It is hard to decide since there are so many beautiful places in Costa Rica, but the Guanacaste coast and Arenal are two really great places especially for first timers.
Dave says
Sammi,
I’m so happy that I came across your web site! Tons of great info. We took your advice and booked a day with Marcy on the Silver Bullet several weeks back. Fantastic Day on the water! Marcy took us to some amazing spots, many only accessible by boat. This was the highlight of a trip full of highlights! I certainly plan to return to Guanacasta and will definatly try to spend a day on the “silver bullet” with Marcy. If anyone’s going to Coco don’t pass this opportunity up!
Sammi says
Hi Dave, that’s awesome to hear you guys had a great day! Marcy definitely knows all the best spots 🙂
Sammi says
Hi Aisnley, rates depend on how many people there are, if you want to do half or full day and what you want to do. I’d contact him asap because it’s high season in Coco and he books up fast. Tell him we sent you 🙂
Also if you like, we can contact him for you. We just need the date you want to go, how many people and what kind of tour you’d like. We can get in direct contact with him so it may be faster than FB if he’s out on the ocean 🙂
Sammi says
Hi Cam, you can message him on his Mystic Rides Facebook page, he usually answers pretty fast.
Also if you like, we can contact him for you. We just need the date you want to go, how many people and what kind of tour you’d like. We can get in direct contact with him so it may be faster than FB if he’s out on the ocean 🙂
Ainsley says
Hi!! We are in Coco now and really appreciate all your tips!! Your website is great and has been lots of help:)
We were wondering what the rates for boating w Mystic Rides are? And how do we get in touch w him?
Thank-you,
Ainsley
Cam says
Marcy sounds like a guy I HAVE to meet. My wife and I will be in Coco Feb 8th for a couple of weeks. Just wondering how I can hook up with him. I will have texting capabilities.